Water safety

SRP brings water to the Valley and we care about your safety around it. As part of that commitment, we partner with local organizations to help provide tools to keep you safe around water.

Programs and resources

Funded by SRP for your safety, the following water safety programs, resources and events are available throughout the Valley.

Learning to swim is important for the entire family. We sponsor swimming lessons for adults and children throughout the Valley.

In partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital we offer the Playing it Safe workshops for parents and caregivers of children ages five and under.

SRP Safety Connection™ provides free materials about water and electric safety for Arizona residents and educators. Most items are available in both English and Spanish.

Safety tips

Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for young children according to the Arizona Department of Health Services? As a community-based not-for-profit, SRP works with local partners to help bring awareness to this problem.

Find out how you can help by becoming familiar with the programs, resources and tips below.

Think safety first, assign a water watcher

If kids will be around water, whether at the lake or the pool, assign a few capable adults who know how to swim and perform CPR in case of an emergency as water watchers.

Ask water watchers to put away distractions, such as electronic devices and books. Have them take turns being on-watch.

Make sure water watchers know the address.

If at a pool, water watchers should scan the bottom of the pool before leaving and lock the pool gate.

Water watchers must actively watch those in their care, being sure to scan the area and keep count of everyone in the group, not just children.

Create a safe space

Enclose your yard and pool with a self-closing, self-locking fence with vertical bars. Have multiple barriers in place as added measures.

When near a pool, lock any pool gates each time someone enters or exits. Never prop a gate open.

Be aware of buckets, puddles, ponds and play structures that may be safety hazards.

Move outdoor furniture inside the pool fence to prevent children from climbing over the fence. Also, remove any toys from the pool area that might attract kids.

Lock doors and windows and secure dog doors that lead to pools. Empty kiddie pools and buckets.

Make it a habit to close doors to laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Take courses and teach children safety

Learn how to perform CPR on infants, children and adults. Knowing can save lives.

Teach all kids to swim at an appropriate age and remember that it’s never too late for adults to learn how to swim.

Teach kids about water safety around open water, pools and canals.

Be aware of undertow and teach children about the dangers of water currents in all forms of water, including canals, lakes, streams, rivers and pools.

Use life-saving equipment

Don't depend on floating toys; they are not designed to save lives. Use approved lifesaving devices such as life jackets.

Look for the U.S. Coast Guard approved label on life jackets and ensure proper fit by weight.